green bay personal injury lawyerWith warm weather comes a variety of outdoor activities to look forward to, especially for those who have spent a long, cold winter indoors. Summertime is a chance to be outside–swimming at a pool or beach, hiking, biking, gardening, grilling out, etc. All these events can be fun, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved that can cause serious injuries.

Injuries During Warm Weather Activities

Swimming is a very popular summertime activity, but it comes with risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children ages one to four. Kids and adults alike can also injure themselves jumping off diving boards or going down slides, especially if equipment is defective or is not properly maintained. These incidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries or broken bones.

When the sun is out and the temperature is nice, many people go for walks or hikes with their dogs. Not all dogs are friendly, however, so it is important to be alert, since some dogs could bite you if you try to pet them. The same goes for other pets that may not be on a leash or controlled by their owners. If you are seriously injured by a dog bite, the animal’s owner may be held liable for your damages.

Tending to your garden or cutting the grass are typical chores during the summer. However, when lawn equipment or landscaping tools malfunction or are defective, they can be very dangerous. According to Prevention magazine, 80, 000 Americans are injured in lawn mower accidents every year, and manufacturers of defective products may be liable for injuries that occur in these types of incidents.

Cookouts are fun summertime get-togethers for all ages, but barbecue grills can be a serious fire hazard. First, second, or even third degree burns are possible when cooking on gas or charcoal grills. Smoke inhalation is a possibility as well, especially if a person tries to ignite a fire with gasoline. Precautions should be taken when using these items, and it is essential to have a fire extinguisher readily available. If you are injured by a grill or fire on someone else’s property, you may be able to pursue compensation from the negligent property owner.

Contact a Green Bay Personal Injury Lawyer

It is important to understand that Wisconsin has a recreational immunity statute, however, which may complicate a victim’s right of recovery in certain situations. Because of the statute’s complexities, if you’ve been injured during an outdoor summer activity, you should seek consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can determine whether the statute may limit or prevent the recovery of damages.

If you sustain an injury during an outdoor activity in the Fox River Valley area of Wisconsin this summer, you should consult an Appleton personal injury attorney. The experienced team at Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. can help you understand your best options for receiving compensation for your injuries. Contact us at 920-739-7366 for a free initial consultation. 

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/

https://www.prevention.com/health/a20434029/9-surprising-summer-pains/